Gov. John Hickenlooper on Thursday officially filed his challenges to proposed transportation rules that e-hailing upstart Uber Technologies has said would make its business model illegal.

"We should not impose burdensome new rules on any industry without evidence that the rules either are needed or would be effective to protect consumers," the governor's chief legal counsel, Jack Finlaw, wrote in a filing with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

Finlaw's filing specifically questions Adams' efforts to prevent limousine companies from charging based on time elapsed or distanced traveled.

Uber partners with limo companies to allow consumers to virtually hail a luxury ride on-demand. The Uber app calculates fares based on time and distance.

Adams and state regulators have contended that existing rules mandate that limo companies have a prearranged fare prior to picking up a rider. His proposal was designed to clarify that limos can't offer a metered service like taxis.

"Whether the charges are based on time, the distance of the ride, or some combination thereof, should not be the subject of state regulation," Finlaw wrote.

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The chief opponent of Uber's service is the taxi industry. Officials from Denver's largest operators, Yellow Cab and Metro Taxi, have argued that Uber has an unfair advantage because it is offering a taxi-like service without facing the same regulations as cab companies.

Cab rates are regulated by the PUC, while limo fares are not.

Adams issued his proposed rules after holding two public hearings this year. Adams also proposed a rule that would bar limo companies from parking within 100 feet of a bar, hotel or restaurant in Denver.

Also Thursday, Uber made its so-called exceptions filing with the PUC. The company claims that "the rulemaking record in the proceeding fails to demonstrate any need for the proposed regulations."

"To the contrary, the public comments overwhelmingly support Uber, its business partners, and its business model," Uber's filing states.

The PUC has until mid-October to decide whether to adopt Adams' proposed transportation rules.

Rockies relief pitcher John Axford, who hasn't pitched for the team since last Wednesday, was forced to leave spring training camp after his 2-year-old son was bit by a rattlesnake twice in his right foot.

One-day event to run slide down University HillIt's not quite the alternative mode of transportation that Boulder's used to, but, for one day this summer, residents will be able to traverse several city blocks atop inflatable tubes.

DETROIT (AP) — In a story March 27 about a 'Little Syria' exhibit going to Ellis Island, The Associated Press, due to incorrect information from the Arab American National Museum, erroneously reported the date the exhibit will open. Full Story